What are Spider / Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks.

Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches or spiderwebs with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin.

Spider veins can be caused by the back up of blood in the vain, hormonal changes, exposure to the sun and injuries. Varicose veins can be caused by weak or damaged valves in the veins. Varicose and spider veins develop more often in women than in men. Symptoms include aching or cramping in the legs, throbbing, tingling or heaviness in the legs.